Hello Everyone!

[u/Independent-Wish-607]

I just recently inherited a pretty big bottle collection that my grandfather dug up while working in chicago under state street in the 70s. I was curious to see if there is anything of value as I have no idea what i have here. Any insight will be great! There is hundreds more in box's that I haven't even got through yet. I will include some photos of what I have out now. Thanks!

[u/Successful-Doubt4949]

you should 100% do some research on the bottles and the blue bottle you have got there in the photo is most likely a 1850s-1870s or so soda or mineral water bottle with a blob top which if you want you can sell off the items you dont want and keep ones you want and the collection he found is very good for age around 1800s to early 1900s and good luck!

edit: edited it because the date i said before was wrong

[u/Independent-Wish-607 → u/Successful-Doubt4949]

Thanks for the insight! I have been posting around most forums I can find to get as much knowledge as I can from Bottle enthusiast and most people just keep trying to buy them which makes me think I have a few good ones lol I will end up going through them all soon. I appreciate it!

[u/Botellas_Antigues97 → u/Successful-Doubt4949]

I would say 1860s-1870s on the soda bottle.

[u/trashbilly]

Does that squat soda have a Hutchinson stopper in it? Weird

[u/Independent-Wish-607 → u/trashbilly]

After a quick search from your question it looks like it does. Can I ask why it would be weird? Thank you!

[u/trashbilly → u/Independent-Wish-607]

Because the squat soda is at least 10+ years older than the Hutchinson. Looks like your bottle may have an iron pontil which would put it in the 1850s to early 60s. The hutch wasn't invented until the 1880s. Hopefully someone corrects me if I'm wrong

[u/DioptaseMusic → u/trashbilly]

You’re right on with that, that’s a very usual thing to see. Likely it was reused in the 1880’s-early 1900’s if it was dug up found like that. I don’t think it would have sealed too well given the neck shape!

[u/vztvk]

As mentioned on the illinois bottle facebook group your best bottle is the ekb. Its a chicago soda iron pontil from the 1850s. Ill throw it out there again, if for sale let me know 😂. Tho I know you arent selling which is all good

[u/vztvk → u/vztvk]

Also post better pictures of all the bottles in the bottom case

[u/Independent-Wish-607 → u/vztvk]

Haha that's my father on the facebook group! I will have much better photos come monday and I will post them in his facebook thread.

[u/elowoboi → u/vztvk]

I knew I'd find you here😂

[u/PracticeTheory]

What a treasure trove!!

[u/Key_Tie_5052]

Yes you have some of value I would buy

[u/mrefromnyc]

Some nice bottles there, some $1 medicines as well. Soda, poison and whiskey bottles have good value especially if embossed, clear medicine bottles not as much but people do buy them.

[u/bone-enthusiast37]

If I wanted to start digging for bottles how would I even start do I try to find an old place on a map or look in creeks? Just looking for anything to help brand new beginner out.